10 Ways to a Perfect Whistler and Hawaii Honeymoon

Planning a honeymoon with miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and luxury accommodation, but worried you'll miss your annual powder fix? A Whistler and Hawaii ski & sun holiday may just be the perfect solution.

Just imagine spending a week in the world's best ski resort where the snowfall averages 11.5 metres every year, the accommodation is outstanding and the village is so vibrant that you can have just as much fun off the mountain as on it! Then immediately follow this with a week in the stunning beach paradise of Hawaii.

Maui is an island so diverse that you can watch humpback whales breach the Pacific one day and then catch the sunrise over the breath-taking Haleakala National Park the next. And if that's not quite enough, you can even include a night in the stunning cities of Vancouver or San Francisco on your way home, where you can sample city life and the all-important sightseeing and shopping, all accessed from your 5* luxury boutique hotel.

I've been fortunate to spend a lot of time in both Whistler and Hawaii and, for me, there is no more perfect trip to indulge both of my passions, snowboarding and exploring a tropical paradise. This combination offers incredible value for the experiences you can have. Here are my top five recommendations for things to do in each destination that will guarantee a perfect honeymoon.

Top Five Whistler Honeymoon Experiences

1. Ski with a Local

Whistler Blackcomb's complimentary on-mountain hosting provided by locals who have typically lived in Whistler for decades helps you navigate the best of what each mountain has to offer. Even better, this is a twice-daily service so you can take advantage whenever it suits.

A classic bluebird day in Whistler

2. Fondue by Snowmobile

My favourite Whistler experience. Drive your own snowmobile up Blackcomb Mountain to the beautiful Crystal Hut at 6,000ft to enjoy a delicious fondue dinner. Recognised by the Canadian Tourism Commission as a Canada Signature Experience.

3. Scandinave Spa

Treat yourselves with a visit to one of the most incredible spas in North America. Sit back and relax in the thermal pools whilst surrounded by snowy mountain peaks. Just magical.

Whistler's Scandinave Spa

4. Whistler Tasting Tours

Where do you start when you have over 170 places to eat? The options rival cities ten times as big! Whistler Tasting Tours provides the answer. Sign up for these legendary tours where each course is served in a different restaurant, with wine pairing, and you'll even learn how to sabre Champagne.

The Bearfoot Bistro is a popular stop on a Whistler Tasting Tour

5. Whistler Heli-Skiing

For the ultimate shared thrill why not cap off your Whistler experience with a day's heli-skiing? Imagine bowl after bowl of virgin powder, all yours for the taking whilst enjoying a gourmet lunch "in the field".

Top Five Maui Honeymoon Experiences

1. Kapalua Bay

With over 30 miles of stunning beaches, Maui has one to suit, whether you want total relaxation, somewhere to finally try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) or a surf lesson on Maui’s famous breaks, whatever you decide, you will be spoilt for choice. My absolute favourite for beauty and seclusion is Kapalua.

2. Whale Watching

Officially whale season runs from 15 Dec to 15 May, so perfectly timed with the ski season. It's common to see whales breaching even from your own private Lanai (balcony). But we like to get closer and so recommend trying the whale watching tours by boat, where you can experience mothers interacting with their calves, hear underwater whale songs and see males compete for females. There is even a whale guarantee, so if you don’t see one you can go again for free so you don't miss out!

3. Haleakala Sunrise Tour

Simply put, this is the MOST spectacular sunrise in the world. Imagine taking a van up through the clouds int he dark to 10,023ft above sea level, sitting atop Maui’s Haleakala Volcano looking across the bed of cotton wool clouds beneath you as you sit wrapped in your ski jackets fresh from Whistler, while the sun provides a jaw-dropping display of colours. In my view, this is a ‘wonder of the world’ any bit as good as the northern lights.

4. Road to Hana

52 miles, 615 hairpin turns, countless sheer cliffs, dozens of cascading waterfalls and streams, 50 one-lane bridges and roughly three hours' gentle driving - welcome to the Pacific’s most stunning coastal road, the "Road to Hana". This day out is a real adventure and an experience not to be missed. Pack your trunks and swimsuit, pick up fresh fruit along the way from one of the local fruit vendors and share the driving because you won't want to miss the spectacular scenery that awaits.

Lava rocks on the Road to Hana

5. Maui Luau

Staying on a tropical island means tropical food, and an island rich with Polynesian culture means simply incredible food. I recommend spending an evening at one of the Luau, where the history of the Polynesian people is told through an evening of traditional song, dance and culinary delights. Not much beats the sounds and smells of the Pacific as the sun sets and the Tiki torches are lit, a magical way to finish a truly extraordinary honeymoon.

Polynesian fire dancers perform at a Luau

How Much?

A 16 night twin-centre staying 7 nights at the 5* Fairmont Chateau Whistler, 7 nights at the 4* Honua Kai, Maui and 1 night at the 5* Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver starts from £3,995pp based on two travelling, including flights, airport transfers and car hire in Hawaii.